In the world of skincare, acids play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the health and appearance of our skin. Two of the most popular and beneficial acids are hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid.
While both are excellent choices, they serve different purposes.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring carbohydrate found in the human body. It functions primarily as a lubricating and hydrating agent, helping to keep skin supple, moisturised, and plump.
On the other hand, glycolic acid is a member of the family of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), derived from plants and renowned for its ability to penetrate deep into the skin, promoting exfoliation and encouraging collagen and elastin production.
As these acids serve different purposes, incorporating both into your skincare routine can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. Combining hyaluronic acid’s moisturising properties with glycolic acid’s exfoliation and renewal capabilities can effectively address a range of skin concerns, from dryness to premature signs of ageing.
Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid What Do They Do?
Acids play a major role in skin care, offering various benefits and targeting specific skin concerns. Commonly found in moisturisers, cleansers, and other skincare products, acids help improve the skin’s overall appearance by promoting an even complexion and smooth texture.
Two popular acids found in skincare products are alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA).
AHAs, such as glycolic acid, are water-soluble and primarily used to exfoliate the skin’s surface, revealing brighter, more radiant skin. BHAs, like salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the skin, unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
Both types of acids work together to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition to AHAs and BHAs, skincare acids also include antioxidants, which help protect the skin from environmental stressors and damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as vitamin C and ferulic acid, work to brighten the complexion, promote collagen production and help alleviate hyperpigmentation.
Hyaluronic acid is another prevalent ingredient in skincare products, known for its exceptional moisturising properties. As a natural humectant, hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing hydration and promoting a plump, youthful appearance.
When incorporating acids into your skincare routine, it’s essential to consider your skin type and specific concerns. Sensitive skin may require gentler exfoliation with lactic acid, while oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
Regardless of the type of acid used, always ensure proper sun protection, as acids can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage.
Properties and Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It is widely recognised for its ability to exfoliate the skin and reveal a brighter, more even complexion. Due to its small molecular size, glycolic acid can penetrate the skin’s surface effectively, making it an ideal ingredient for tackling common skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, age spots, and acne-prone skin.
By acting as a gentle exfoliator, glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and encouraging the production of new, healthy skin cells.
This process can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making glycolic acid an essential ingredient in many anti-ageing skincare products. Additionally, its ability to break down excess pigment in the skin can help to treat melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation characterised by dark, uneven patches on the face.
For acne-prone skin, glycolic acid’s exfoliating properties can help unclog pores and reduce oiliness, ultimately leading to fewer breakouts and improved overall skin texture.
While glycolic acid works great for most skin types, it might cause some irritation if you have sensitive skin. To avoid any discomfort, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before you start using it regularly in your skincare routine.
In comparison to other alpha-hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid is considered more potent, providing faster and more noticeable results. However, lactic acid is less likely to cause irritation or side effects, making it a better option for those with more sensitive or reactive skin types.
To enhance the effectiveness of glycolic acid in addressing hyperpigmentation, it’s often paired with other skin-brightening ingredients, such as kojic acid. Kojic acid, derived from fungi, inhibits melanin production and can help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. Combined, these ingredients provide a powerful solution for those seeking to improve their skin’s overall appearance and health without resorting to harsher treatments.
Properties and Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural substance found in our bodies, primarily in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. Its primary function is to retain water and provide hydration, making it an excellent moisturiser. HA’s unique water-binding capacity enables it to hold 1000 times its weight in water, which aids in moisture retention, resulting in plumper and more hydrated skin.
As a humectant, HA plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s natural moisture and softness, making it an essential component in many skincare products. When applied topically, it acts as a hydrating booster and can effectively increase the skin’s moisture levels, promoting a healthy and youthful glow. Additionally, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.
One of the main reasons hyaluronic acid is popular in anti-ageing skincare products is due to its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By retaining water in the skin, HA helps to maintain collagen production and improve skin elasticity, resulting in a smoother and more youthful complexion.
Hyaluronic acid not only provides hydration but also benefits overall skin health by supporting the skin’s natural healing process. It can help restore and maintain the skin’s barrier function, allowing for better absorption of other skincare ingredients and protecting the skin against environmental factors.
In conclusion, hyaluronic acid is a highly versatile and powerful ingredient in skincare with numerous benefits. Being a natural moisturiser, it helps to increase hydration and retain moisture, which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Moreover, its humectant properties support overall skin health by improving collagen production, elasticity, and barrier function, making it an indispensable component in a well-rounded skincare regimen.
Glycolic Acid Vs Hyaluronic Acid
Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid are two popular ingredients in skincare products, known for their unique benefits. However, they serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages, depending on the skin type and concern.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from plants, particularly sugar cane. It is known for its exfoliating properties, as it effectively removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, revealing a brighter and smoother complexion.
Glycolic acid is particularly beneficial for ageing skin, as it can help stimulate collagen production, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone. It’s also effective in reducing excess sebum, making it suitable for acne-prone skin. However, glycolic acid may cause redness and irritation, especially for sensitive skin types.
On the other hand, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in the skin that maintains its moisture levels. It acts as a powerful hydrating agent and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a vital ingredient to maintain skin elasticity and suppleness.
Hyaluronic acid is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its gentle and hydrating nature helps alleviate dryness and redness while promoting wound healing. Unlike glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid does not remove dead skin cells and is not used for exfoliation.
The key differences between glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid lie in their primary functions and target skin concerns:
- Glycolic acid primarily targets ageing skin, uneven skin texture, and acne by exfoliating dead skin cells and reducing excess sebum.
- Hyaluronic acid primarily focuses on hydration, catering to all skin types, with a prominent benefit to dry skin.
If you’re dealing with acne, dullness, or signs of ageing, glycolic acid might be the better choice. However, if your main concern is skin hydration and you have sensitive skin, hyaluronic acid would be your best choice.
In some instances, using both glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid in a skincare routine can offer significant benefits. Glycolic acid can first exfoliate and brighten the skin, while hyaluronic acid can provide the necessary hydration and help calm any irritation caused by the exfoliation.
Which One is Right for You?
Every skin type is unique and deserves the right kind of care. For some, hyaluronic acid may be the ideal choice, while others may benefit more from glycolic acid.
Known for its hydrating and moisturising properties, hyaluronic acid is the go-to option for those with dry skin, as it can help to boost natural moisture levels. On the other hand, glycolic acid acts as an exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This is particularly beneficial for those with blackheads, blemishes, and a dull skin tone, as it promotes brighter and more radiant skin.
To incorporate these ingredients into your skincare routine, start by picking the right cleansers and serums that have the ingredients your skin needs. This way, you can ensure you provide your skin with everything it needs to stay healthy.
It is a good practice to use a glycolic acid cleanser prior to applying a hyaluronic acid serum, as the exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid can enhance the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid.
Before introducing new skincare ingredients, first conduct a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area of the skin and wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions or inflammation (waiting 24 hours gives your skin enough time to develop a reaction if there is going to be one). If there is no negative reaction, you can safely include them into your routine.
Combining other skincare products with hyaluronic and glycolic acids can also boost your overall skin health. For example, using a retinol product at night can help to improve the appearance of scars and fine lines, while wearing sunscreen during the day protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid are two of the most popular and effective acids used in skincare. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means that it attracts and retains water, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin’s surface, revealing brighter, more even-toned skin.
When used together, hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid can provide multiple benefits for the skin, including:
- Improved hydration: Hyaluronic acid helps to keep the skin hydrated, while glycolic acid removes dead skin cells that can block pores and prevent hydration from reaching the deeper layers of the skin.
- Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Glycolic acid stimulates collagen production, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid also helps to plump the skin, which can further reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improved skin texture: Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin’s surface, removing dead skin cells and revealing brighter, more even-toned skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps to smooth the skin’s texture by filling in fine lines and wrinkles.
- Reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation: Glycolic acid can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the skin’s surface and fading dark spots.
Hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid are generally safe for all skin types. Still, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase the frequency of use as your skin tolerates them.
It is also important to wear sunscreen after using glycolic acid, as it can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
If you are looking for a way to improve your skin’s hydration, texture, and appearance, hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid are two great options to consider.